Middlesbrough face Birmingham City at St. Andrews this evening in an important game in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
After two consecutive defeats, Middlesbrough got a point on the board against Preston after Head Coach Jonathan Woodgate made numerous changes to the starting line up.
Here is the predicted Middlesbrough XI for their trip to Birmingham tonight:
GK – Darren Randolph
Didn’t have much to do against Preston, but is always there when needed.
RB – Anfernee Dijksteel
Improving each week and adds pace up and down the pitch from full-back.
CB – Dael Fry
Fry was poor against Sheffield Wednesday but was one Boro’s best players against Preston.
CB – Dani Ayala
The Spaniard’s reintroduction into the team last week certainly helped sure things up at the back.
LB – Ryan Shotton
Although in an unnatural position, Shotton made more tackles and interceptions than anyone against Preston.
CDM – Adam Clayton
Clayton bounced back in midweek after a poor performance at the weekend and will keep his place.
CM – Jonny Howson
Howson could drop to the bench and be replaced by Lewis Wing given he has just come back from a hernia operation but he impressed in the 90 minutes on Tuesday.
CM – Paddy McNair
Arguably Boro’s best player this season so far, McNair will be in the side this evening.
RW – Marcus Tavernier
Tavernier took his chance with both hands against Preston and should play from the off at St. Andrews.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
The striker could be rotated for Ashley Fletcher, but I believe Britt will get the nod given his goalscoring record against the Blues.
LW – Marvin Johnson
Marcus Browne could miss out here despite impressing against Preston, meaning Johnson could start.
